from staff
For the third year in a row, The Players Downtown Experience will return in conjunction with the annual golf tournament that bears the same name.
Expanding on past year’s success, the event has grown.
The multifaceted events will cover six days this year, up from four last year, and will include numerous activities at venues like the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Downtown ArtWalk locations and the Jacksonville Landing.
“The Players Downtown Experience is a great way to celebrate this exciting week with the entire community,” said Jay Monahan, The Players executive director and PGA Tour vice president. “It’s another chance to give back and demonstrate the impact this tournament has on everyone who lives here.”
From the popular return of the “Nine Hole Challenge” to live entertainment and tournament coverage, The Players Downtown Experience will offer entertainment options for visitors and will showcase the area in a positive way, said John Reyes, Visit Jacksonville president and CEO.
Here’s a brief rundown of the planned activities:
Tuesday
Free admission to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens from 4–9 p.m., sponsored by The Players. Saxophonist Aaron Bing will provide live entertainment.
Wednesday
In conjunction with ArtWalk, the Landing will show highlights of The Players on the courtyard Jumbotron, live entertainment by Teddy Washington and the return of the “Nine Hole Challenge” putting experience. Additionally, the public is invited to paint a series of murals from 5:30– 8:30 p.m. as part of the Foundation for Hospital Art Paintfest, with all the artwork donated to local hospitals.
Thursday and Friday
If you can’t make it to the tournament itself, the Landing will be showing Golf Channel’s live coverage on the Jumbotron all day. The “Nine Hole Challenge” returns from 5–9 p.m. both days and live entertainment will run from 6–10 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Friday.
Saturday
Numerous family friendly activities at the Landing as well as an expo set up by PGA Tour Charities. Live music will run from 4 p.m.–2 a.m.
Sunday
Closing round coverage of The Players will air on the Landing Jumbotron.